Archives: Walk Directory

BWV Walk Directory

Beths Peak

Distance:  14 Km   |  Duration:  6 Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 4   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Return   |  Map

Best Season:  Summer, Autumn, Spring

About the Walk

Overview

Follow a well-defined 6 km section of McMillians Walking Track with views over the Moroka River Valley and Snowy Bluff to Beths Saddle and then a relatively short, 500m climb to the top of the rarely visited Beths Peak*. Observant walkers may find exposed volcanic rock beds containing thunder eggs as the MMWT leaves the D4 track. A recent fire through a section of this walk should result in some excellent wildflowers. * Beths Peak is named after Beth Kilpatrick a BCWC member who spent considerable time in this area in the 1980s when John Smith and other club members were re-discovering McMillan’s Track.

The Walk in Detail

Start walking from the junction of the Moroka Road and the D4 track (sign posted). The track generally follows a south easterly and then north easterly direction losing 450 metres over a distance of 6 km to Beths Saddle, which is a nice spot for a break and the half-way point of the MMWT. From Beths Saddle, it is 500 metres to the summit in an easterly direction up the spur and through open country. Views from the top will look down 600 metres into the Moroka River valley and away to the east to Mt Dawson (1,443 m) and Mt Kent (1,563m). We retrace our steps to the vehicles. The majority of the walk is along a well-defined 4WD track. Hiking/walking poles, sturdy footwear and gaiters and are recommended.

Getting There

From Licola Village, head back towards Heyfield, cross the Macalister River and turn left, following Tamboritha Road for 46 km to Arbuckle Junction. The road is unsealed beyond the third bridge over the Wellington River. From Arbuckle Junction turn right on to Moroka Road and continue for 5 km until the junction of the D4 track (on the left-hand side). There is ample car parking at the junction. Distance from the Licola Wilderness Village to the start of the walk is 51 km.

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

ASCENT/DESCENT: 620 / 620 metres

Licola
No
Southern Alps
2021

GPX File:  

Mt Eliza

Distance:  6 Km   |  Duration:  Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 4   |  Rating:    |  Style:  One Way   |  Map

Best Season:  Summer, Autumn, Winter

About the Walk

Overview

Views and more views. The Licola Wilderness Village, our accommodation centre, is visible from the high ridge of the Glenfalloch Station grazing paddocks. Mount Ligar “The Crinoline”, FedWalks 2021 signature peak, is ever present on the north eastern skyline. The casuarina forest is a feature on the slopes of the steep descent at the end of this hike. Its pine needle like leaves make the descent more challenging.

The Walk in Detail

This walk is offered with the permission of the management of Glenfalloch Station for the Federation Walks 2021 event only. This walk offers spectacular views to the west along the Macalister River valley and even more beautiful vistas to the north and east as you make your way down off Mount Eliza. Start walking east from Stony Creek, investigate the ruins of a homestead from a bygone era. To get great views we need to climb and climb. Initially the walk is through steep cleared pasture with panoramic views to the west taking in the river valley and the Station’s river flat grazing land; and the second half offers vistas to the north and east revealing the Crinoline, Mount Sugarloaf, Long Hill, and Mount Tamboritha to name just a few. After leaving the cleared farmland, the track passes through an area of immature wattles before breaking out at Mount Eliza. The going is a little easier now. There is lots of evidence of deer activity on this part of the walk. It is proposed to stop at the summit of Mount Eliza for a short time as better uninterrupted views present themselves a little further down the track to the north. There are no amenities nor water on the track. Sturdy footwear and gaiters are recommended. Walking poles are highly recommended particularly for the steep ascents and steep off-track descent.

Getting There

From Licola Village, head west back towards Heyfield, cross the Macalister River and continue towards Heyfield for 2.7 kilometres. Immediately west of the Stony Creek bridge seek out suitable safe parking on the side of the road. The hike commences through the farm gate on the eastern side of the Heyfield / Licola Road. Shut the gate. This walk requires a short car shuffle of approximately 7 kilometres with cars also to be left on the south side of the Tamboritha Road 3.7 kilometers north of Licola.

Walk Precautions

Walking poles are recommended for the steep ascents and descents.

Additional Information

This walk is only being offered as part of FedWalks 2020 as it is on private land. ASCENT/DESCENT: 450 / 410 metres

Licola
Yes
Southern Alps
2021

GPX File:  

Neilson Crag

Distance:  15 Km   |  Duration:  6 Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 4   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Return   |  Map

Best Season:  Summer, Autumn, Spring

About the Walk

Overview

A feature of this walk are the beautiful trees that reach for the sky along the four-wheel drive track, the magnificent escarpment views of the rocky outcrops including The Watch Tower and Neilson Crag. The views down the valleys and across the mountains are breath taking. This walk enters the Mount Darling - Snowy Bluff Wilderness Zone.

The Walk in Detail

At the junction with the Moroka River Track, start walking north on Doolans Plains Road. Follow the meandering old four-wheel drive track through magnificent Mountain Ash trees. After almost 6 kms along this track, we commence a 3 km off track loop to Neilson Crag through bush following marker tapes. In March 2019, fires burnt through this area clearing much of the undergrowth which is starting to regrow. Care must be taken with rocks and logs under foot and overhanging branches. We make our way north along the spur at the end of Doolan Plains, at times on the edge of the escarpment and other times in the bush back from the escarpment. From the edge of the escarpment, we get outstanding views overlooking Surveyor Creek and Carey Creek with the road to Howitt Plains to the west and Wonnangatta Valley to the north. Towards the end of the spur we discover a fantastic spot on top of a knob for lunch. There are commanding views to the east of the mountains that go on forever. Immediately in front of us is the Moroka River and Snowy Bluff. Here we will sit, rest, and enjoy our lunch and take in the grandeur of our surroundings. After lunch we return through the bush to the four-wheel drive track and on to the parked cars.

Getting There

From Licola Wilderness Village we head north along Tamboritha Road turning right at Arbuckle Junction into Moroka Road then turning left onto the Doolans Plains Road for 1.5km. This is a 52 km drive on an unsealed road, four-wheel drive advisable. There is ample parking at the start of this walk.

Walk Precautions

Sturdy footwear, gaiters and poles are recommended.

Additional Information

ASCENT/DESCENT: 410 / 410 metres

Licola
No
Southern Alps
2021

GPX File:  

Wellington Plains

Distance:  16 Km   |  Duration:  Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 4   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Return   |  Map

Best Season:  Summer, Autumn, Spring

About the Walk

Overview

This walk crosses Wellington Plain with low heath, grasses, and occasional snow gum corpses. Turning east at Moroka Gap headwaters of the Moroka River to the north and Nigothurok Creek and the Wellington River to the south), we climb through woodlands onto the ridge overlooking the Avon Wilderness. On the ridgeline is the massive stone cairn on the top of Mt Wellington after which the shire is named. Fabulous views.

The Walk in Detail

Leaving McFarlane Saddle, sign the intentions book, read the signs with information about the local history, and head SE up a gentle incline at the top of which the track curves around to head SW. After a km or so, you leave the snow gum woodland and are on the low heathland and grasses of Wellington Plain. Pass the ruin of Dunsmuirs Hut and traverse the plain for 4km until another section of woodland is reached. Take the left fork heading east and within a few hundred metres is Moroka Gap in the clearing. Continue east on the footpad heading gently uphill to the Mt Wellington 4WD track (1.5km). Turn left, north, and the cairn on the top of Mt Wellington (1634m) is 1 km. Return by back tracking.

Getting There

From Licola Village, head back towards Heyfield, cross the Macalister River and immediately turn left. Follow Tamboritha Road to Arbuckle Junction veering right on Moroka Road. McFarlane Saddle is a further 14km along the Moroka Road. Ample parking with toilet. The road is unsealed beyond Wellington River. Distance from the Licola Wilderness Village to the start of the walk is 60 km.

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

ASCENT/DESCENT: 320/320 metres

Licola
No
Southern Alps
2021

GPX File:  

Mt Reynard

Distance:  13 Km   |  Duration:  Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 3   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Circuit   |  Map

Best Season:  Summer, Autumn, Spring

About the Walk

Overview

A very pleasant walk (20% 4WD track, 80% footpad) through alpine country of open plain and snowgums with, subject to the weather, good views across the High Plains. Mt Reynard is the most southerly peak in Australia above 1700m.

The Walk in Detail

From the car park on Mt Howitt Rd, walk west then south on Kelly Lane to Kellys Hut, about 2 kilometres. After inspecting the hut, take the Mt Reynard walking track north through snow gum forest, climbing gently uphill through undulating country adjacent to Tinbucket Creek. At a low saddle at 1500m, about 2 kilometres from the hut, turn west on an indistinct track following a ridge to Mt Reynard, 1710m, another 2 kilometres. There is a small cairn marking the summit, in open snow gum vegetation. This is a good lunch spot. The return walk is back to the saddle on the same track, then turning north across an open plain with a clear view to Mt Howitt Rd to the north. There is a short, steep descent into Shaw Creek (about 1 kilometre from the saddle), cross the creek on rocks, then follow the creek in a south easterly direction to Kelly Lane, another 1 kilometre. There may be one or two more crossings of the creek before reaching Kelly Lane, and from there it is return to the cars.

Getting There

Mount Reynard is 44km north of Licola Village. Head back towards Heyfield over the bridge and Macalister River and immediately take the Tamboritha Road to Arbuckle Junction then veer left onto the Howitt Road and continue to Kelly Lane. Distance from the Licola Wilderness Village to the start of the walk is 51 km.

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

ASCENT/DESCENT: 410/410 metres

Licola
No
Southern Alps
2021

GPX File:  

McMillans #1 – Mt Arbuckle to Dingo Hill Track

Distance:  11.5 Km   |  Duration:  Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 3   |  Rating:    |  Style:  One Way   |  Map

Best Season:  Summer, Autumn, Spring

About the Walk

Overview

The entire walk is on the McMillan Walking Track. It demonstrates the diversity of the environment from climbing through Alpine Ash forest, crossing snow plains of button grass, a section of 4WD track before reentering forest to follow old logging tracks to a second snow plain.

The Walk in Detail

Start walking west from Arbuckle Junction following the McMillan Walking Track red triangular markers and climbing for approximately 200 metres before reaching Arbuckle Plain. Carefully follow the markers and some signage southwest for 600 metres before leaving the plain and heading northwest, gradually descending to Shaw Creek. Cross the creek and head north for 500 metres across Holmes Plain to Kellys Hut. This hut makes a good rest site. Continue on the McMillan Walking Track in a southerly direction for 2.6km on a vehicle track (Kelly Lane), passing the turnoff to the recently restored McMichaels Hut, a diversion of 300m off track. This is a good site for lunch. Water is available from Shaw Creek. Resume following the red markers through the forest on the McMillan Walking Track south west for 4.8km to emerge on the Dingo Hill vehicle track. From this junction the walk follows the vehicle track for 0.9km to a clear campsite on Shaw Creek where the vehicles will be parked. Sturdy footwear, gaiters and poles are recommended.

Getting There

From Licola Village, head back towards Heyfield, cross the Macalister River and turn left. Follow Tamboritha Road to Arbuckle Junction. The road is unsealed beyond Wellington River. There is ample car parking at the Junction. A car shuffle is involved, hence vehicles will be left at the Shaw Creek campsite on the way to the starting point. Distance from the Licola Wilderness Village to the start of the walk is 46 km.

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

ASCENT/DESCENT: 315/410 metres

Licola
No
Southern Alps
2021

GPX File:  

Arbuckle to Kellys Hut

Distance:  8 Km   |  Duration:  5 Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 3   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Return   |  Map

Best Season:  Summer, Autumn, Spring

About the Walk

Overview

Climbing initially through an Alpine Ash forest, the walk then crosses a snow plain where wildflowers are a feature. It then descends through Snow Gum and Candlebark forest to Holmes Plain and Kellys Hut, an old cattleman’s hut built in 1934. The walk follows McMillans Walking Track.

The Walk in Detail

Start walking west from Arbuckle Junction following the McMillans Walking Track red triangular markers and climbing approximately 200 metres in 30 minutes before reaching Arbuckle Plain. Carefully follow the markers and some signage south west for 500 metres before leaving the plain and heading north west gradually descending to Shaw Creek. Carefully cross the creek and head north west for 500 metres across Holmes Plain to Kellys Hut. The hut makes a good lunch site. Return along the same route to Arbuckle Junction.

Getting There

From Licola Wilderness Village, head back towards Heyfield, cross the Macalister River and turn left. Follow Tamboritha Road for 46 km to Arbuckle Junction. The road is unsealed beyond Wellington River. There is ample car parking at the Junction.

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

ASCENT/DESCENT: 390/390 metres

Licola
No
Southern Alps
2021

GPX File:  

Mt Howitt

Distance:  14 Km   |  Duration:  5 Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 3   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Return   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

An iconic alpine walk through snowgum woodlands and alpine meadows ending above the tree line at Mt Howitt with spectacular views of Mt Hotham, the Crosscut Saw, Mt Speculation and Terrible Hollow.

The Walk in Detail

The track begins as a gentle 4.5km walk through button grass plains and snowgums to Vallejo-Gantner Hut and Macalister Springs. A 2.5 km moderate climb onto the treeless high plains leads to the Mt Howitt cairn. The ascent is one of the most beautiful in Victoria featuring alpine meadows, weathered snow gums and wonderful views. The return journey is on the same tracks back to the car park. From the car park head north on a signed foot track. The track descends slightly and links to the original cattle droving pad and 4WD track. Veer left and continue across tiny Clover Plain. At 3km, pass the original cattle pad on the right, signed Zeka Spur, which descends to the Wonnangatta Valley. At 4.2km, take the left fork for 800m over a small rise and down a short, rocky descent to the double-storey, A-frame Vallejo Gantner Hut and Macalister Springs camping area at 1600m elevation. Morning tea. Head west downhill past Macalister Springs to a saddle. To the north of the track is Terrible Hollow. Climb the other side of the saddle and, literally just above the treeline at the southern end of the Crosscut Saw, take the left (west) path joining the Australian Alps Walking Track. Climb a moderate gradient to the summit cairn of Mt Howitt (1742m). Lunch. On return when at Macalister Springs, head up a lesser foot track climbing uphill to the east. This track has views of the Razor and the Viking before it swings southward through snow gum forest to rejoin the main track. Turn left (south), 3.8km to the carpark. Water and a toilet at Macalister Springs and a tank at the hut.

Getting There

From Licola Village, head back towards Heyfield, cross the Macalister River and turn left. Follow Tamboritha Road for 46km to Arbuckle Junction. The road is unsealed beyond Wellington River. Continue left on Howitt Road for 37km to the Howitt car park on the right. It is signed and has a toilet. Distance from the Licola Wilderness Village to the start of the walk is 83 km.

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

ASCENT/DESCENT: 490/490 metres

Licola
Yes
Southern Alps
2021

GPX File:  

Kellys Hut

Distance:  14 Km   |  Duration:  5 Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 3   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Return   |  Map

Best Season:  Summer, Autumn, Spring

About the Walk

Overview

A pleasant well graded walk through mature forest and then onto open alpine plain visiting two cattlemen's huts; Kellys Hut on Holmes Plain built in 1934 and McMichaels Hut built 1970 to replace an older hut at the same site on the banks of Shaw Creek which is a delightful stream known for trout. You will be on McMillans Walking Track for 5kms.

The Walk in Detail

Start walking from Thomastown Camp Ground where there is a toilet. Cross over Shaw Creek on a sturdy bridge. Follow Kelly Lane, a 4WD track, which is a gradual climb initially through forest and then open alpine plain. There are 2 small creek crossings before reaching the turn off to McMichaels Hut which is about 300 metres off the track. Water is accessible at Shaw Creek near McMichaels Hut. Return to Kelly Lane and head North a further 1 km before reaching Kellys Hut. Lunch at the hut then return to Thomastown by following your footsteps down Kelly Lane

Getting There

From Licola Willderness Village head towards Heyfield, cross the Macalister River then turn left onto Tamboritha Rd. Follow this road for about 40 kms and look for Kelly Lane sign on left. Turn left onto Kelly Lane for approximately 300 metres to the Thomastown campground. Plenty of parking and a toilet.

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

ASCENT/DESCENT: 230/230 metres

Licola
No
Southern Alps
2021

GPX File:  

Mt Arbuckle

Distance:  10 Km   |  Duration:  4 Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 2   |  Rating:    |  Style:  TBA   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

Climbing initially through an Alpine Ash forest, the walk then crosses a snow plain where wildflowers are a feature. It then descends through Snow Gum and Candlebark forest to Holmes Plain and Kellys Hut, an old cattleman’s hut currently undergoing restoration. We will compare it to the more modern McMichaels Hut then enjoy the pleasant alpine walk along Kelly Lane to the cars.

The Walk in Detail

Start walking west from Arbuckle Junction following the McMillans Walking Track red triangular markers and ascend steeply (200 metres height gain) for 30 minutes before reaching Arbuckle Plain. Carefully follow the markers and some signage south west for 500 metres before leaving the plain and heading north west gradually descending to Shaw Creek. Take care crossing the creek and head north west for 500 metres across Holmes Plain to Kellys Hut. After exploring the hut and surrounds, walk south on Kelly Lane, a 4WD track. After 1km, detour 300 metres to McMichaels Hut by Shaw Creek, a pleasant lunch stop. Back at Kelly Lane, continue south, gradually descending, with a couple of minor creek crossings, towards Thomastown. McMillans Walking Track departs Kelly Lane at the second creek crossing. There is a toilet at Thomastown.

Getting There

From Licola Village, head back towards Heyfield, cross the Macalister River and turn left. Follow Tamboritha Road for 40 km to Kelly Lane. The Thomastown camping area and car park is 250 metres along the lane where cars will be left. Return to Tamboritha Road, turn left, it is 6km to Arbuckle Junction. The road is unsealed beyond Wellington River. There is ample car parking at Arbuckle Junction. Distance from the Licola Wilderness Village to the start of the walk is 46km.

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

ASCENT/DESCENT: 260/360 metres

Licola
No
Southern Alps
2021

GPX File: